Maximizing Your Enneagram at Work

I’m a millennial woman — of course I know my Enneagram type. I’m a 2 for those wondering, but much like my Zodiac sign or my Myers-Briggs archetype, I didn’t do much digging beyond the basic Type 2 traits once I discovered my particular identifier. When the 18 Coffees team recently found ourselves discussing popular professional assessments as part of our Team Member on a Page exercise, the Enneagram initially didn’t even cross my mind. To learn more about the Enneagram in the workplace — beyond what the countless visually appealing Instagram accounts share — I turned to popular assessment provider Truity and The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Richart Riso and Russ Hudson.

The nine-pointed enneagram symbol originated in 1916 as a more spiritual tool. In the 1970s, psychologists utilized the foundations of this spiritual approach to create a psychological tool that identifies the core beliefs that inform an individual’s core personality traits. Each point within the enneagram symbol corresponds with a distinct personality type numbered one through nine. These types identify the strategies someone tends to use to relate and react to the world around them. 

Like me, most may be familiar with their Enneagram type as it relates to their personal life and relationships, but these identifiers can also generate insight into ourselves as employees and our approach to the workplace. When it comes to performing your best at work, keep your Enneagram’s strengths and caution areas in mind:

Enneagram 1: The Reformer

Enneagram 1 is often a perfectionist. They’re principled with a strong sense of right and wrong, tapping into their strong sense of integrity to act in good conscience. Their desire to have integrity can translate into critical perfectionism.

• Strengths: Highly organized and thrives in roles that require attention to detail or close adherence to rules

• Caution Areas: May struggle with delegation, flexibility, and stress when their work or that of others does not meet their high standards

Enneagram 2: The Helper

This type prioritizes helping others, connecting their self-worth to their relationships and leveraging their caring nature to ensure others feel loved and appreciated. Their desire to be loved can translate into the need to be needed.

• Strengths: An excellent collaborator, excels in roles that involve mentorship and supporting others

• Caution Areas: May struggle with boundaries and prioritization of their own needs over others

Enneagram 3: The Achiever

An Enneagram 3 is ambitious with a clear focus on achieving their goals. They’re incredibly driven and often make charismatic leaders. Their desire to be valuable can translate into chasing after success.

• Strengths: Thrives when working toward a tangible goal or in a competitive environment that allows them to showcase their skillset

• Caution Areas: May struggle with collaborating with others and acknowledging failure

Enneagram 4: The Individualist

The Enneagram 4 is a deeply emotional, introspective individual who taps into their creativity and value self-expression. Their desire to be oneself can translate into self-indulgence.

• Strengths: Incredibly creative and thrives in environments that foster expression

• Caution Areas: May struggle with intense feelings of doubt or impostor syndrome that can hinder performance

Enneagram 5: The Investigator

The cerebral type, the Enneagram 5 is an analytical, independent thinker who focuses on deep understanding. Their desire to be competent can translate into unnecessary specialization.

• Strengths: Analytics, research, and any data-driven responsibilities

• Caution Areas: May struggle with collaboration in favor of isolation and can focus unnecessary amounts of energy on a given topic

Enneagram 6: The Loyalist

Those who are an Enneagram 6 are incredibly loyal, committed to their networks and placing high value on security and stability. The desire to be secure can translate into a deep attachment to existing beliefs.

• Strengths: Forward-thinking planning, strategy, and project management

• Caution Areas: May struggle with indecision and a deep resistance to change

Enneagram 7: The Enthusiastic

Enneagram 7 is an adventurer, always seeking excitement. They’re forward-thinking, creative problem-solvers who constantly seek new experiences. Their desire to be happy can translate to escapism.

• Strengths: Energy and optimism, especially when taking on new projects or challenges

• Caution Areas: May struggle with distraction and follow-through

Enneagram 8: The Challenger

Assertive and confident, the Enneagram Eight is a natural leader who prioritizes strength, action, and decision. Their desire to protect themselves can translate into arguments.

• Strengths: Confidence and assertion in decision-making, especially during high-pressure situations

• Caution Areas: May struggle with control and authority, resisting collaboration and the input of others

Enneagram 9: The Peacemaker

The Enneagram 9 is a harmonious, level-headed individual who seeks to avoid confrontation. Their desire to keep the peace can translate into neglectfulness or a casual attitude.

• Strengths: Diplomatic and calm nature, excels at team building and conflict resolution

• Caution Areas: May struggle with complacency, openly offering their opinions, and setting healthy boundaries

While your Enneagram type is a helpful indicator of your strengths and caution areas in the workplace, it does not define your performance or your potential. Instead, this self-reflection and insight identifies the motivations behind and common pitfalls of your workstyle, ultimately enhancing communication, engagement, productivity, and happiness at work.

Don’t know your Enneagram type? Take the Truity assessment here.